Are you guys ready to get started with the first week's granny square(s)? Keep reading...
To refresh your memory, here's a finished original afghan that inspired this project, taken from 1982's Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Needlecrafts. **To be very clear, we are not copying this project, we are making our own version, with different squares and construction. The only reason I show you this 1982 version is because I have not finished mine and you need something to go by as you decide color palette, I'll be putting an image of mine once its done. If you want to make this version, you will have to buy the book cited above.
Part of the charm of this project is that the squares are all different sizes and types, which is what a sampler is all about. There is no right or wrong way to combine the squares, each person will decide how they want to combine their squares. But I will offer some guidelines as to how I do mine.
The first granny square assignment is the traditional granny square, done in 2 versions. You will complete 3 granny squares for the first week to stay on schedule. Hopefully, this will give those who are learning a chance to practice the basics. And, for those of you who know these well, you'll have an easy week.
Tip: Don't overthink the colors and where they go as you make these. By the time we finish this afghan, you will have combined your colors into every possible color combo imaginable. Just grab and go!
I found a great video series on You Tube (linked to below) which illustrate the instructions I've written really well. If you are a new crocheter, watch these until you get it and then keep going.
(7 round granny squares- you will make 1 of these this week)
Week 1
Square 1, Traditional Granny Square with 7 rounds (make 1 of these)
With first color, ch4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in center of the ring, *ch 2, 3 dc in center of the ring* rep from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to top of beg ch 3. End off.
Added 5/20/12- There was a question about how to start a new color on twitter- make a slip knot on your hook, pull through any previous round's corner space w/hook, leaving yarn on the back, then chain 3 for your first dc and keep going.
Rnd 2- (using 2nd color). Starting in one of the ch 3 spaces from the previous round; join new color by ch 3. 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. (You just made a corner.) *In next ch 2 space (work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)*, rep from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. End off.
Rnd 3- (using 3rd color). Join at any ch 2 corner space; join new color by ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. *(Work 3 dc in 3 dc space on sides, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner space)* Rep from *2 more times, joine with a sl st to the top of beg 3 ch. End off.
Rnd 4- (using 4th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Rnd 5- (using 5th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Rnd 6- (using 6th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Rnd 7- (using 7th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Square 2, Traditional Granny Square with 5 rounds (make 2 of these)
(You are making the exact same square as the one outlined above, but you're stopping at 5 rounds.)
With first color, ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in center of the ring, *ch 2, 3 dc in center of the ring* rep from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to top of beg ch 3. End off.
Rnd 2- (using 2nd color). Starting in one of the ch 2 spaces from the previous round; join new color by ch 3. 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. (You just made a corner.). Ch 1. *In next ch 2 space (work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)* ch 1, rep from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. End off.
Rnd 3- (using 3rd color). Join at any ch 2 corner space; join new color by ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. *Work 3 dc in 3 dc space on sides, then (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space* Rep from *2 more times, join with a sl st to the top of beg 3 ch. End off.
Rnd 4- (using 4th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Rnd 5- (using 5th color)- Repeat instructions for Rnd 3
Tips on choosing your yarn and hook size in this post.
Helpful videos
These are GREAT videos, very clear and slow, I couldn't do any better.
Making a slip knot, chaining and making the center circle.
Make the 3rd round and every other round
Please leave questions you have in the comments and I will answer them there, in case others may have the same question.
For you tech savvy folks, you can also tweet me with hashtag #grannysquaresampler included in your tweet, or instagram a photo (tag @BlairS) so I'll see it.
I have also set the project up on Ravelry, so if you spend time there you can find it.
Check back next Friday for the next squares.
